5 people shot in Halloween night 'melee' in University District

SEATTLE -- Five people were hurt when an argument escalated into a gun battle Friday night outside of a University District bar, according to police.

Detectives said a group was arguing outside of a bar on the 5200 block of University Way NE when one person punched another in the face.

The person who was punched took out a handgun and started firing, police said. Officers believe a second person then pulled out a gun and started shooting. More than 20 rounds were fired.

Seattle police said the suspect ran off after the shooting. A K9 tracked the suspect to Ravenna Park before losing the trail.

Three people were transported to Harborview Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries. A fourth person was taken to the hospital by a friend. Medics treated and released a fifth person at the scene.

If you have any information, call detectives at 206-625-5011.